Man identified in fatal ATV crash; coroner says death was preventable

PATTON -- One man is dead after an ATV accident Friday afternoon in Cambria County.

The accident occurred at Rock Run Recreation Area in Patton just before 2 p.m.

60-year-old Clyde Makin was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet when his ATV flipped, ejecting him and killing him after it landed on top of him.

Makin was driving his ATV up a hill at Rock Run Park when it overturned.

Cambria County coroner Jeff Lees says his death could have been prevented by following safety regulations.

"They save lives, and a lot of our deaths, a lot of our fatalities over the year come from traumatic brain injuries, traumatic head injuries that could be prevented if the individual was wearing a helmet," Lees said.

Martin Marine salesman Clint Elias said Makin was a longtime customer.

"Rode them all the time. Probably did 3 to 4,000 miles a year on his Ranger ,” Elias said. “That was his way out, of getting out and enjoying the outdoors."

Elias said most of these accidents are preventable by following safety rules and knowing the area where you're riding

He also said Polaris ATVs won't go above 15 mph without the driver’s seat belt fastened.

"Unfortunately most people get the idea, 'Well I don't need to use a seatbelt,'” Elias said. “So they'll either fasten it behind them or they'll use a seatbelt from the passenger side to fasten into theirs."

"If he would have had that on, he would not have (died),” Elias said. “That would have never happened. The law of physics took over. He flew out. As soon as you fly out, which direction do you think the machine's coming?"

Lees said there was a passenger in the ATV who was also not wearing a seatbelt, but she was uninjured.

There was no neglect by Rock Run, Lees said.

"It's clearly stated at multiple locations that helmets are required when they are operating, or a passenger on these machines," Lees said.

Elias said it’s critical to follow the rules.

"I don't care whether you're new to the sport or if you're a seasoned veteran,” Elias said. “You have to use the safety devices that are on that machine and wear the proper gear."

Lees said this is the first fatality at rock run since it opened 11 years ago.

This is the third fatal motorcycle or ATV accident since April in Cambria County.

6News called Rock Run on Saturday, and the woman who answered said they have no comment.

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